ATI Comprehensive Predictor 2026 (NGN) Exam Prep |
High-Yield Practice Questions, Verified Answers &
Detailed Rationales | RN Exit Exam Review | Latest Edition
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who reports increasing shortness of breath
while lying flat. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer prescribed diuretic.
B. Raise the head of the bed.
C. Restrict oral fluids.
D. Notify the provider.
Answer: B
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed improves ventilation immediately and is the
priority intervention.
Question 2
A client with type 1 diabetes becomes diaphoretic and confused. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Administer regular insulin.
B. Check the blood glucose level.
C. Encourage ambulation.
D. Administer metformin.
Answer: B
Rationale: Symptoms suggest hypoglycemia. Confirming blood glucose guides appropriate
treatment.
Question 3
Which electrolyte imbalance places a client at greatest risk for cardiac dysrhythmias?
A. Sodium 138 mEq/L
,B. Potassium 2.8 mEq/L
C. Calcium 9.2 mg/dL
D. Magnesium 2.0 mg/dL
Answer: B
Rationale: Severe hypokalemia significantly increases the risk of life-threatening
dysrhythmias.
Question 4
A nurse should identify which finding as an early sign of increased intracranial pressure?
A. Bradycardia
B. Projectile vomiting
C. Restlessness
D. Fixed pupils
Answer: C
Rationale: Restlessness and altered mental status are early indicators of increased ICP.
Question 5
A client receiving heparin develops bleeding gums. Which medication should the nurse
anticipate administering?
A. Vitamin K
B. Protamine sulfate
C. Naloxone
D. Atropine
Answer: B
Rationale: Protamine sulfate reverses the effects of heparin.
Question 6
Which finding requires immediate intervention for a postoperative client?
A. Pain rating of 6/10
B. Urine output of 15 mL/hr
,C. Temperature 37.4°C (99.3°F)
D. Blood pressure 128/76 mmHg
Answer: B
Rationale: Urine output below 30 mL/hr suggests poor renal perfusion.
Question 7
A nurse is reinforcing teaching about warfarin therapy. Which statement by the client
indicates understanding?
A. “I’ll take aspirin for headaches.” B. “I’ll report unusual bleeding.” C. “I’ll stop taking
the medication when I feel better.” D. “I don’t need blood tests.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Clients taking warfarin should report any signs of bleeding promptly.
Question 8
Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. Client with a blood pressure of 142/86 mmHg
B. Client with chest pain rated 8/10
C. Client requesting pain medication
D. Client awaiting discharge instructions
Answer: B
Rationale: Chest pain may indicate myocardial infarction and requires immediate
assessment.
Question 9
A nurse is caring for a client with COPD. Which oxygen delivery method is most
appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
B. Nasal cannula at 2 L/min
C. Simple mask at 10 L/min
D. Venturi mask at 100% oxygen
, Answer: B
Rationale: Low-flow oxygen helps prevent suppression of respiratory drive.
Question 10
Which laboratory value should the nurse report immediately?
A. Hemoglobin 13 g/dL
B. Platelets 240,000/mm³
C. WBC 16,500/mm³ with fever
D. Sodium 140 mEq/L
Answer: C
Rationale: Elevated WBC with fever may indicate infection requiring prompt evaluation.
Question 11
A client develops hives after receiving penicillin. Which action is the priority?
A. Document the reaction.
B. Stop the medication immediately.
C. Increase IV fluids.
D. Administer acetaminophen.
Answer: B
Rationale: The medication should be discontinued immediately to prevent worsening
allergic reactions.
Question 12
Which food should a client taking warfarin consume consistently?
A. Spinach
B. Grapefruit
C. Cheese
D. Bananas
Answer: A
High-Yield Practice Questions, Verified Answers &
Detailed Rationales | RN Exit Exam Review | Latest Edition
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who reports increasing shortness of breath
while lying flat. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer prescribed diuretic.
B. Raise the head of the bed.
C. Restrict oral fluids.
D. Notify the provider.
Answer: B
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed improves ventilation immediately and is the
priority intervention.
Question 2
A client with type 1 diabetes becomes diaphoretic and confused. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Administer regular insulin.
B. Check the blood glucose level.
C. Encourage ambulation.
D. Administer metformin.
Answer: B
Rationale: Symptoms suggest hypoglycemia. Confirming blood glucose guides appropriate
treatment.
Question 3
Which electrolyte imbalance places a client at greatest risk for cardiac dysrhythmias?
A. Sodium 138 mEq/L
,B. Potassium 2.8 mEq/L
C. Calcium 9.2 mg/dL
D. Magnesium 2.0 mg/dL
Answer: B
Rationale: Severe hypokalemia significantly increases the risk of life-threatening
dysrhythmias.
Question 4
A nurse should identify which finding as an early sign of increased intracranial pressure?
A. Bradycardia
B. Projectile vomiting
C. Restlessness
D. Fixed pupils
Answer: C
Rationale: Restlessness and altered mental status are early indicators of increased ICP.
Question 5
A client receiving heparin develops bleeding gums. Which medication should the nurse
anticipate administering?
A. Vitamin K
B. Protamine sulfate
C. Naloxone
D. Atropine
Answer: B
Rationale: Protamine sulfate reverses the effects of heparin.
Question 6
Which finding requires immediate intervention for a postoperative client?
A. Pain rating of 6/10
B. Urine output of 15 mL/hr
,C. Temperature 37.4°C (99.3°F)
D. Blood pressure 128/76 mmHg
Answer: B
Rationale: Urine output below 30 mL/hr suggests poor renal perfusion.
Question 7
A nurse is reinforcing teaching about warfarin therapy. Which statement by the client
indicates understanding?
A. “I’ll take aspirin for headaches.” B. “I’ll report unusual bleeding.” C. “I’ll stop taking
the medication when I feel better.” D. “I don’t need blood tests.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Clients taking warfarin should report any signs of bleeding promptly.
Question 8
Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. Client with a blood pressure of 142/86 mmHg
B. Client with chest pain rated 8/10
C. Client requesting pain medication
D. Client awaiting discharge instructions
Answer: B
Rationale: Chest pain may indicate myocardial infarction and requires immediate
assessment.
Question 9
A nurse is caring for a client with COPD. Which oxygen delivery method is most
appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
B. Nasal cannula at 2 L/min
C. Simple mask at 10 L/min
D. Venturi mask at 100% oxygen
, Answer: B
Rationale: Low-flow oxygen helps prevent suppression of respiratory drive.
Question 10
Which laboratory value should the nurse report immediately?
A. Hemoglobin 13 g/dL
B. Platelets 240,000/mm³
C. WBC 16,500/mm³ with fever
D. Sodium 140 mEq/L
Answer: C
Rationale: Elevated WBC with fever may indicate infection requiring prompt evaluation.
Question 11
A client develops hives after receiving penicillin. Which action is the priority?
A. Document the reaction.
B. Stop the medication immediately.
C. Increase IV fluids.
D. Administer acetaminophen.
Answer: B
Rationale: The medication should be discontinued immediately to prevent worsening
allergic reactions.
Question 12
Which food should a client taking warfarin consume consistently?
A. Spinach
B. Grapefruit
C. Cheese
D. Bananas
Answer: A
